The Maya Civilization

The early Maya Civilization are responsible for an enviable list of
historical achievements. The great cultural group are perhaps best known however, for
their impressive and commanding architecture. Many Mayan ruins remain in
the landscape of modern day Mexico.

The villages, cities and pyramids have now become popular tourist hot spots. Unlike
many of the other advanced Mesoamerican civilizations though, they have never disappeared, there are significant populations and cultural
communities in various areas of Mexico today.

The existing Mayan communities in Mexican culture live by distinct religious
traditions and beliefs. There are also a variety of traditional Mayan
languages (many of which are still regularly spoken).

The Development of Mayan History

The early Maya civilization developed significantly between the years
of 250AD to 900AD. They implemented a developed written language form
and made key advancements in mathematics.

Because of the close interaction between many of the Mesoamerican
civilizations it is hard to pinpoint exactly who implemented specific
strategies and ideas. The early Mayan population however did made
progress with the development of the Mesoamerican calendar which would later be further enhanced by the progression of Aztec History.

During the Pre-classic period it is thought that
areas were initially populated as far back as the 10th century BC.
It was during the Classic period of 250-900 AD however that Mayan art
developed and the community advanced intellectually and artistically.
During this time the people built cities and a strong
infrastructure based around agriculture and trade.

Population Changes Throughout Time

During the progression of Mexican history within the 9th and 10th
centuries the population of Mayan culture decreased. We can only
speculate however as to the reasons and factors why this decrease
occurred.

The progress of the Maya civilization again began to flourish
though, in the Post-classic period between the 10th and 16th centuries.

During this time the communities developed many
sites in the Yucatan Peninsula and constructed iconic structures at
Chichen Itza and Tulum. After Hernan Cortez and the Spanish arrived in
Mexico however a series of hostilities and battles ensued.

Pyramids and Architecture

It was common practice throughout for the
people at the time to build and then rebuild upon their architectural
structures. The pyramids and towering religious temples were of high importance to the Maya civilization.

The rebuilding work created a fusion of styles and a layered effect
which is evident amongst many of the archaeological sites today.

It is open
to debate as to when the rebuilds took place. Some would argue that they occured at set times according
to the Mesoamerican calendar cycle. Others believe that the improvements were ordered
when new rulers came into power.

Like the Aztecs, the Maya practiced extreme religious customs in accordance with their beliefs. It is
thought that the early Maya civilization deemed there to be three main sections to the
Universe; the earth, the underworld below and the heavens above. They
also believed that the underworld could be reached through deep
underground tunnels and caves.